If Jarace Walker wants to remain a member of the Indiana Pacers for the long run, he needs to essentially turn into the next Bennedict Mathurin. He needs to become a better and more reliable scorer (particularly in isolation and as a shot creator).
The Pacers desperately need to replace Mathurin, who they traded to the Los Angeles Clippers in February, and Walker needs to solidify his long-term role with the team. It won't be easy, but the most logical fix to both of these problems is for the Houston alum to replicate some of Mathurin's value and step up in his absence.
Of course, Walker isn't that type of player. He's more of a jack of all trades type who can do a little bit of everything. But he already showed some major improvements offensively this past season, and at just 22 years old, there is still a lot of time for him to develop even more.
Jarace Walker needs to become a better scorer for the Pacers
This past season was mostly a success for Walker. He had a career year, averaging 11.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.5 assists while shooting 41.9% from the field and 37.4% from deep. Additionally, he looked much more comfortable on both sides of the ball and at least somewhat looked like the player he was advertised to be ahead of the 2023 draft.
Despite his solid play, there are some concerns about his future in Indiana, especially given that next season is the final one of his four-year, $27.6 million rookie contract. Some could say that his numbers are just a product of him being on a tanking team, and there are still questions about his defense and quick decision-making. However, it's clear that he has talent -- he just needs to find his role with the Pacers, especially because he will never overtake Pascal Siakam or Obi Toppin on the depth chart.
In a recent episode of the "Setting the Pace" podcast, Michael Facci said he doesn't think Walker can become the Pacers' next go-to bench scorer.
"I just don't feel like he has that killer scoring instinct, and maybe we're spoiled by how Bennedict Mathurin was ... I know Mathurins don't grow on trees, but I just feel like Jarace still, going into year four, has not proven enough that he can be relied on consistently. ... Good three-point shooter. I think he's shown enough of the sample size on that, but I would not feel comfortable to say [Walker] can give you 15 off the bench every single night or anything of that sort," Facci said.
It's going to be a tall task, but turning Walker into a better all-around scorer will pay dividends for him and the Pacers in the long run as they look to re-enter the title picture as soon as next season. If it happens, there will be a role for him after all, and he may earn a second contract with the team. But if not, he may follow in Mathurin's footsteps and find himself on a new team by the end of next season.
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